Desert Siren

Sixteen

"I have some questions." Tavan's mouth was full, and he swallowed, taking a sip of the well-watered wine. After Jayza had retired to the terrace, he had continued his pacing for quite a while, taking his frustration and anger out on whatever inanimate object was closest. Eventually, the innkeeper had knocked, asking if everything was okay. Unwilling to admit he was deliberately destroying the inn's possessions, he had sheepishly claimed to have drunk too much the night before and was still a little unsteady on his feet. He promised to compensate the innkeeper for anything damaged or broken, mollifying the man somewhat, then remembered Jayza hadn't eaten in almost a day. Requesting Last Meal and a fresh jar of water, he had sat quietly in the sitting area, mulling over everything she had said. She remained on the terrace, not wanting to intrude and consumed with her own thoughts. When the innkeeper returned with their meal, he had taken the tray and set it on the table, sheepishly apologizing for his behavior. Jayza had inclined her head but continued staring at the canyon, letting the idyllic setting calm her tattered nerves.

"So you believe me?" She busied herself spearing several slices of beef along with tomatoes, onions, and spicy peppers. She added a small piece of flatbread, the placed the rest of the food on it and expertly rolled it before taking a huge bite.

"I'm not totally convinced, but you've certainly got my attention." He had tried rolling his flatbread similar to Jayza and gave up when it kept falling apart. Instead, he now just sent his knife around the plate, stabbing a piece of whatever was there and sticking the entire thing in his mouth. Jayza watched with distaste, wondering why anyone would think she was the barbarian.

"Then I'll try and answer what I can."

Tavan took a sip of his wine, putting his thoughts in order. Placing the goblet back on the table, he refilled it and took another sip. "I'm having a very hard time believing what you say about the Empress." He spoke quietly and it was obvious he was choosing his words carefully. Jayza sighed inwardly, preparing for another argument about Lady Antione's true motives. "I've known her for many years, and she has always seemed gracious and interested in the wellbeing of everyone, especially the Emperor. In council meetings, she is always soft-spoken and defers to him on many things, murmuring politely when he disagrees."

"Of course, she is." Jayza made a rude noise, stabbing the assorted vegetables more forcefully. "Openly defying the Emperor won't get her the results she's seeking. And by appearing demure and cooperative, she makes everyone think highly of her. Keeping the Emperor happy and distracted allows her to subtly insert wording into his decrees. How many of the new laws that have been handed down have come directly from the Emperor himself? Or has the Empress been the one to proclaim them, stating her husband is indisposed?"

Tavan considered this, swirling the wine in his goblet. Picking up his knife, he sent another dagger full of food into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "But why? Why seek to destroy so many? Where is the benefit in killing off huge swaths of our population?"

"I thought you were highly educated," Jayza replied sarcastically. For a man who was supposedly better educated than most of the population, he could be pretty dense sometimes. "Think about this, General. Who stands to benefit?"

"Little one, my head still hurts. And our discussion didn't help. Please just help me through this. Please?"

"Fine," Jayza said, putting her wrap down. "Let me start by asking you a question. And I'll make it completely relatable to your life. How's that?" Tavan nodded, placing his knife down as well. "Let's take what happened with Rufus. He disobeyed you and was punished for it, correct?"

"We already discussed this. Why are we going over it again? I'd much rather put it behind me." Tavan grimaced in disgust, his obvious dismay over what he had done still fresh despite his efforts to distance himself from it.